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Ephesians 5:5-8 For this ye know, that no whoremonger, nor unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, hath any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. (6) Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience. (7) Be not ye therefore partakers with them. (8) For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light: (KJV)
The Bible gives warnings throughout on the dangers of coveting, which is described as a form of idolatry. This is a vital area, one that gets overlooked, and an area where many a good intentioned Christians ended up being deceived. Though in our past we were surrounded by this mindset and caught up in the things of this world, somehow there are many that think they can carry this over into the realm of God and get away with it. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Your ability to let go and trust in the Lord in the area of finances is vital if one is going to grow into a deeper knowledge and trust with our Father. Luke 16:9-11 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. (10) He that is faithful in that which is least is faithful also in much: and he that is unjust in the least is unjust also in much. (11) If therefore ye have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? (KJV) This is what separates the men from the boys; this is the proving ground for what a man will truly trust and believe. We have a parable of a man described as an unjust steward who made his living and prospered by taking advantage of others. Then one day it occurred to him that in order to be accepted into the eternal realm he would have to change his ways and find the just and equal balance. What many don’t realize, and especially for those that are entering ministry work, is that one has to prove faithful before the Lord in the area of finances, or riches as they are described, before the Lord will open up to them and show them His spiritual riches and then entrust them with it. What verse 10 describes as least ends up being the priority with many; if they are unjust in that area then its game over and they will not be moving ahead in their walk. We have people out there that claim to be of God yet when you listen to the message being delivered they speak more of this world than the realm of God because they haven’t been enlightened to the things of God, and therefore have not been entrusted with the true spiritual riches of God’s wisdom and knowledge which are only found in Christ. Luke 16:9 Riches promise MUCH, and perform NOTHING: they excite hope and confidence, and deceive both: in making a man depend on them for happiness, they rob him of the salvation of God and of eternal glory. For these reasons, they are represented as unjust and deceitful. (from Adam Clarke Commentary) 1 Peter 5:1-3 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: (2) Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; (3) Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (KJV) What kind of hope is being given to the people; a false hope in the deception of worldly riches, or is the flock of God being fed with the truth of God’s word that will set them free and allow Him to be their source? Many lord over the flock with guilt trips and pity party messages of how much more one could do for the Lord if they would just ante up. Those that are truly looking out for the spiritual welfare of the people will be more concerned with building the people up in the Lord, rather than having the people more concerned with a building and its upkeep. John 10:11-13 I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. (12) But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. (13) The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. (KJV) The problem with hirelings, which is someone that is working for a wage, those that think ministry work is just an occupation, is that if the money runs out the hireling isn’t far behind. Our Lord set the example of how to live and walk in the Spirit, seeking more the spiritual welfare of others and not His own, thus why He was so effective. Today we see just the opposite; for many that enter the field of ministry work think it is a fun and exciting way to make a living, which is well documented by watered down messages that deal more with seeking the riches of this world than the true riches of God. Yes God does call people to full time ministry, and they get their support from the Lord and through the flock they oversee. The message the Lord is getting across is that His people need to be more concerned with the spiritual substance that will feed the flock, not the financial one that they are feeding themselves with. Isaiah 56:10-11 His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. (11) Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter. (KJV) There are too many hirelings, false prophets and such who are only seeking their personal gain, and not what is best for the flock of God. This stuff has been going on for a long time and has continued to manifest, getting worse and worse. No man can serve two masters because he will hold to one and ignore the other; and the Bible is quite specific to say that we cannot serve God and mammon or worldly riches, which is idol worship. Titus 1:7-11 For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God; not selfwilled, not soon angry, not given to wine, no striker, not given to filthy lucre; (8) But a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, temperate; (9) Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (10) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: (11) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. (KJV) Many vain talkers alter the message of truth to fit their lifestyle, teaching things just for the sake of filthy lucre. Messages that point to hundredfold returns, the more you give the more you get, are nothing more than self serving cheap imitations for what the Lord intended for His people; thus why the Lord’s people perish for lack of knowledge. So do your own self inventory and make sure the things you treasure are in line with the things of God so that He can open up His spiritual treasure and allow you to be a partaker of His heavenly gift. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 John 4:1-5 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. (2) Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God: (3) And every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God: and this is that spirit of antichrist, whereof ye have heard that it should come; and even now already is it in the world. (4) Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world. (5) They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. (KJV)
Here we see the many again and how they responded to the calling of God. God is calling to our hearts, a spiritual calling which requires a spiritual response. So how do you know the difference? Those that have come to a working knowledge of the mystery of God are those that teach in the name of Jesus Christ, and are more concerned with the spiritual needs of the people. They are the ones that know the doctrine of Christ, and are willing to lay down their lives for the brethren so that they can teach them who they are in Christ and the completed work He has done on our behalf. Those that have not answered the call of God the way He intended are described in verse 5 as more concerned with the things of this world, putting the physical ahead of the spiritual. While they love to promise the people a better life in this world they overlook the spiritual realm and end up settling for their reward here, loving the praise of men more than God. Nothing plays to the emotions of the people and tickles the ears more than promising prosperity; which these false prophets have determined to be measured by amounts of money rather than the spiritual prosperity which is only found in Christ, the unequalled treasures of His wisdom and knowledge we have access to through His name. Luke 6:43-45 For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. (44) For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. (45) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh. (KJV) The heart will truly reveal its intentions and motives because the abundance of what is in it will be spoken by the mouth. A good tree has not been corrupted, has not allowed the thief to break through and steal the word of God from the heart; therefore their only motive and true intention is teach and preach sound doctrine. A false prophet and teacher will reveal their true motive also; so if they are not teaching and preaching the mystery of the gospel through a working knowledge of Jesus Christ then somewhere along the line there has been a breach of spirit which has gotten in and corrupted the heart. No matter how they try to twist and turn the truth, manipulate and fabricate the word of God, they have been corrupted and the heart is proclaiming an evil treasure instead of an eternal one. A tree is truly known by its fruit; just as apparent as it is in the outward realm of revealing what the tree truly is, it is just as obvious to those that have taken the time to rightly divide the word of truth; they are able to see through these false doctrines and phony intentions of the heart. Micah 3:11-12 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us. (12) Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest. (KJV) The Bible says there is nothing new under the sun, and that is why we need to heed the warnings, make sure we are prepared and not giving credence to things that are not of God. The Lord has been dealing with cheap hucksters throughout the Bible, so basically it is the same sin today, just different disguises. Like with a thief when they go to pull off a heist, they put on a mask so they won’t be identified. Those that know the truth and have a working knowledge of the doctrine of Christ will be able to see through these masks and easily identify the thief, and not allow him to rob them blind. Jeremiah 6:13 For from the least of them even unto the greatest of them every one is given to covetousness; and from the prophet even unto the priest every one dealeth falsely. (KJV) Thayer’s definition for covetousness: 4124 pleonexia- greedy desire to have more, covetousness, avarice As we see again, many that have been called have decided they were more interested in building and establishing a kingdom in this world rather than establishing a firm foundation for the eternal realm. God has warned us and continues to remind us to be on the lookout for this false doctrine which has gotten in, and sad to say corrupted many of His own. Colossians 3:5-7 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: (6) For which things' sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: (7) In the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. (KJV) If you ever go through the Old Testament you will see that idolatry was practiced by many of God’s people and caused them to err, and led to their destruction. Today we see idolatry spring forth in the form of covetousness, an evil root that cannot produce good fruit no matter how it is spun, or who is preaching and teaching these doctrines. This is something we used to pursue in our old way of thinking, as verse 7 refers to, and it is something that should not be incorporated into our new life. So how are you answering the call of God today? Are you responding in the Spirit, or are you still looking for some cheap shortcut that mankind claims will bring peace and security? 1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: (4) But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (5) For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness: (6) Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. (KJV) Paul was used of God, and answered the call of God in sincerity and in truth. He did not disguise his intentions under a cloke of covetousness, but rather was able to be used of God as he was allowed of God, because God could entrust him with His gospel. How trustworthy are you today? Can God use you and open His truth to you also because you have chosen to answer His calling in sincerity and in truth, or are you still hanging onto things of this life that are breaking through and clouding your spiritual vision? Anything or anyone we hold in higher regard than our heavenly Father is similar to idolatry, and will not pass the heavenly test, or be someone that God can use to deliver His message. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (KJV)
Thayer’s definition for ‘which corrupt’: 2585 kapeleuo- 1) to be a retailer, to peddle 2) to make money by selling anything a) to get sordid gain by dealing in anything, to do a thing for base gain b) to "trade" (traffic) in the word of God; to try to get base gain by teaching divine truth c) to corrupt, to adulterate; peddlers were in the habit of adulterating their commodities for the sake of gain So if many have been called then why are there so few left to deliver God’s message of love? Could it be there is a different love and affection that has snuck in and taken over, a method that isn’t approved of God but a big hit with mankind? Even in the time of Paul’s ministry we see the word of God corrupted and peddled to the highest bidder; those that were called of God are now answering to mankind and catering to the highest bidders. As we see in the above verses it just wasn’t a few doing this stuff but many had sold out and allowed a breach in the Spirit, a spiritual virus that was infecting the early Church; and quite frankly as I look around today, has only gotten worse. Matthew 6:19-21 Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. (KJV) When looking at these verses one can see two points being made and the comparison being implied, like a parable. As moth and rust corrupt the physical riches over time, by getting caught up in this doctrine one has allowed the thief to break through spiritually and steal the truth, replacing it with heartache and misery. As rust can eat away and distort riches, so does the love for them eat away and distort our vision of what will truly bring peace and joy to the believer. So where your treasure is will determine the direction of the heart and its true intentions will be manifest. Matthew 6:22-24 The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. (23) But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness! (24) No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. (KJV) If your vision is not kept single, seeking only the things of God that will bring joy and peace, as well as a confidence and boldness to speak His word, then one will be walking in darkness; and what many have thought would bring them the answer ends up to be a dead end. The word of God is quite specific that no man can serve two masters because a double minded man is unstable and unable to receive the things of God or be entrusted with the truth to be used of Him. Remember it is the love of money, not money itself that is the root of all evil; and those that look to the things of this realm to find joy and peace will find that they have erred from the faith and are now drowning in destruction and despair. John 2:13-16 And the Jews' passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem, (14) And found in the temple those that sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the changers of money sitting: (15) And when he had made a scourge of small cords, he drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep, and the oxen; and poured out the changers' money, and overthrew the tables; (16) And said unto them that sold doves, Take these things hence; make not my Father's house an house of merchandise. (KJV) Since when did the temple of God become a place of trade? The Lord set the example and quite emphatically let the people know where God stood on this doctrine of making merchandise of His word. And yet today as I look around, or flip through the religious channels, it is quite apparent that mankind has decided to set the tables back up with their endless money pitches and gimmicks. Folks if it didn’t work back then why would one think that God approves of this nonsense today? Remember that you are the temple of the living God and He dwells within you. So what is your true love today, and what is it you truly treasure in your life? Just because mankind decides that it’s okay, and just because someone has a big TV following doesn’t make it right; and according to the word of God it is not something our Father approves of either. 2 Peter 2:1-3 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction. (2) And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of. (3) And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not. (KJV) Oops, remember the many that were called? Well now we are seeing what happened to their calling and how they chose to respond. When I see the word feigned which means to fabricate, I think of all these phony hundredfold return doctrines that are promised to people that donate to these ministries preaching them; which in simple layman’s terms is nothing more than a pyramid scheme, where those on top get rich, and well we all know what runs downhill. Just because others have sold out and set up their tables in the temple doesn’t mean you have to fall for their guilt trips and pity party sermons of how much more they could do if they only had the loot, when they should be answering God’s call and teaching the people what God has already done on their behalf. Titus 1:9-11 Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. (10) For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: (11) Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. (KJV) You know folks, you can’t buy your way into the kingdom but you can sell out. What is it going to profit you if you gain the whole world but lose your soul for an eternity? Many that have been called of God may have begun in the Spirit with good intentions, but tried to perfect it in the flesh by supposing gain was godliness, which the Bible says we should withdraw from, which includes our support. So put away your TV remote control and grab your Bible; start partaking of the true riches of the kingdom of God and don’t be taken in by these cheap hucksters who promise liberty but they themselves are the servants of corruption. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Hebrews 4:9-11 There remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God. (10) For he that is entered into his rest, he also hath ceased from his own works, as God did from his. (11) Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. (KJV)
You have been issued a cease and desist order from the Lord, which is what the word ‘rest’ means. In order to walk with the Lord you now need to cease from your own works, and walk in the completed work our Lord Jesus Christ has done on our behalf. Another way of putting it, is that your labor now is to enter into His rest, or as Paul wrote keeping our bodies in subjection to the Spirit. Now does this mean that we as Christians should all check into a rest home and not do anything anymore? Not quite. However, we all need to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling so that we can find our place in the body of Christ, and carry out the calling that He is asking of us no matter what it is or how trivial we may think it is. A labor of love is another way of putting it; once you have entered into His rest, or abode, it is vital that we remain seated in a heavenly place with our Lord and not fall from grace because of unbelief. Genesis 1:31-2:3 And God saw every thing that he had made, and, behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. CHAPTER 2:1 Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. (2) And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made. (3) And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made. (KJV) Was God tired, did He have to take a breather? Not at all, actually God saw everything that He made, everything that He planned before the foundation of the world, which by the way includes you and me the believers, had turned out very good. Everything that was needed for mankind was put in place, including His plan for salvation. In fact God knew already, before the foundation of the world, that man would fall and what it would take to bring reconciliation. God rested; which again means to cease and desist; everything that needed to be done was accomplished and put in place. Now the question is, will you find your place in His calling, and cease and desist from your own works? Psalms 46:10-11 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. (11) The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. (KJV) When praying about certain situations or decisions that you encounter, do you stop everything you are doing, cease and desist from any outside distractions, and take the time to enter into God’s rest to hear the answer? Maybe the reason you are so worn out is because you have been chasing the answer instead of letting the blessings come upon you and overtake you, which will not happen if you are always on the run. The peace of God you have experienced before is still available, but only if you are willing to cease from your own works and enter into the rest of God so that you can hear the rest of His answer. After all, how many hairs did you count on your head today? You think God isn’t concerned with your life and yet He has even the hairs on your head numbered; and we still doubt at times or question Him? Many times people blame God, and say He hasn’t answered their prayers; the truth be known it was that they didn’t take the time to hear His answer on how the prayers would be answered, and what they needed to do to let it be accomplished. Sometimes people get ahead of God, and rather than being still and knowing God, and that God has heard and answered the prayer, they take off running before they get directions. Ready, shoot, aim, and guess who gets blamed when things don’t turn out they way they thought it should, either God or His messengers or both. Isaiah 46:10-13 Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: (11) Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it. (12) Hearken unto me, ye stouthearted, that are far from righteousness: (13) I bring near my righteousness; it shall not be far off, and my salvation shall not tarry: and I will place salvation in Zion for Israel my glory. (KJV) Are you able to accurately declare an outcome before it happens? All the time? God does, because He has seen it before the foundation of the world, then created everything the way He wanted it to be and saw that it was very good. If your life is not very good and your walk is not where it should be, then somewhere along the way you got sidetracked and you need to stop and take a breather, cease from your own dead works and enter into the work of the Lord that He accomplished for you and your benefit (not the one where you end up throwing a fit). God saw you personally from the beginning, He then drew up a plan of salvation, and a path of life for you to walk on that would lead to His everlasting kingdom. God even saw the detours you would make at times, and provided a way of escape so that you could get back on course and enter into His rest. And yet we still doubt and question our Father’s ability at times, or wonder if He is even concerned with us? Parents, how easy is it to carry on a conversation with one of your children if they are always on the go and never stop long enough to talk with you? How sad is that for you to watch when you see them doing things that are not healthy or in their best interest, yet they never take the time to ask for your help or advice, from a loving parent who has experienced the things they are going through? All you wish for them to do is stop, cease from what they are doing, take the time to rest and hear your counsel and advice which would make it much easier for them and a lot healthier. And you as parents, have you stopped and taken the time to hear from your heavenly Father as well, before you end up frustrated and entangled with the affairs of this life by neglecting the things of your spiritual life? John 6:27-29 Labour not for the meat which perisheth, but for that meat which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed. (28) Then said they unto him, What shall we do, that we might work the works of God? (29) Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent. (KJV) Here is your labor, a labor of love, all that effort you have put into the things of this life is now being redirected to things that pertain to everlasting life. This is the work; the labor of keeping our bodies in subjection to the Spirit, keeping our minds renewed on a daily basis so that we not only enter into the rest or the realm of God, but more and more stay seated in heavenly places in Christ and not be moved away from the hope of the gospel. You are now under house a rest, you are the temple of the living God and are now living a life of faith; a belief in the completed work that Jesus Christ has done on our behalf, and is much better than any work we think we can do on His behalf. God bless, and take a time out on a daily basis and see the very good work God has begun in you and continues to do for your benefit. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus dear brethren. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: (27) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: (29) That no flesh should glory in his presence. (KJV)
God has chosen the foolish things of this world; which I consider myself one of those, having walked according to my own lusts and desires for so many years which always left me lacking and going backward instead of forward. The more one realizes just how weak they truly are, the more they will find how strong God truly is, and how to operate in that strength and confidence for themselves. There truly is strength in weakness. The more we realize this the more we can see the way of escape God has provided for us from this present evil world and its ungodly backwards thinking. Titus 3:1-6 Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, (2) To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men. (3) For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. (4) But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, (5) Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (6) Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; (KJV) What is your calling and who is it based upon? Is it according to your works and abilities, or is it according to the working of the Lord and what you are allowing Him to do through you? Is your calling based on large numbers, thinking that the only way you can be effective for the Lord is to teach to large audiences, or has the Lord asked you to be more hands on, one on one, not concerned with head counts? And would you be content with working behind the scenes, not in the spotlight so to speak, but rather doing all things heartily as unto the Lord without concern for what man thinks or how others operate? So many have missed the Lord’s calling because they had preconceived ideas of how a ministry should operate, and anything less than what they perceive as being effective will not work for them. Others forget how they were saved, and how they were called of God, which was not based on their works or abilities but rather by the kindness, mercy, and love of God. This same kindness and mercy which gave you access into the kingdom of God is the same that we should be showing and demonstrating to others as well. Sometimes those that are in the position of ministry work forget that they too were once foolish and deceived; rather than show that same compassion with others that was shown toward them they expect changes in others right away, changes that they themselves were not willing to make right away, as they too needed some time to get past their own shortcomings and infirmities of the flesh. 2 Timothy 1:9-11 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (10) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (11) Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles. (KJV) Grace; God’s unmerited favor toward mankind which definitely eliminates boasting on our part. Each and every believer has had a spiritual blueprint drawn up for them before the foundation of the world, not based on our works and abilities but according to the Lord’s own purpose for us, and the path He has chosen for us to walk. Many people will begin their walk in the Spirit, on His path, but then they come to the conclusion that they will perfect it in the flesh. Instead of man being made in the image and likeness of God, many manmade religions try to make God in their image and likeness, of how they think the Lord should operate based on their own purpose and not the Lord’s. Once a person steps out of the realm of grace through faith they can no longer be used of God, but rather have gone about to establish their own righteousness which is based on works and is not of grace. Romans 11:5-6 Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (6) And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work. (KJV) These verses remind me of the term awful good, an expression used by many. You are either one or the other; when you try to combine the two they don’t work. The same holds true with grace and works. Anytime someone tries to combine the works of the law with grace they end up with the awful, and not the good. They that are in the flesh and its realm of thinking cannot please God, it’s that simple. Anytime you base your walk with the Lord according to your works and your way of thinking you limit the Lord; you will eventually replace His plan of salvation that He had drawn up and intended for you before the foundation of the world with your own plan, which is a dead end. Lamentations 3:22-24 It is of the LORD's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. (23) They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. (24) The LORD is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. (KJV) Every day should be a new experience with the Lord, another step closer to Him on the path of life that He is willing to illuminate for all those that seek Him. Are you waiting on the Lord today to hear His answer and instruction for where He would have you on this path, the one He chose before the foundation of the world, or are you to busy running in circles chasing your tail on some dead end path you chose? The arm of the Lord is never too short to save; so if you have fallen down reach up and let Him pull you back up, get back to the place you belong, the one He chose for you and knew where you would be best suited. Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ: (4) According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love: (KJV) Do you wish to be strong? Then become weak to your own thoughts and ways, let the Lord have His way, which according to Him was drawn up and planned long before any of us were around. Believe it or not, God was able to draw up this perfect plan of salvation for mankind without our input or opinions; and quite frankly for myself I have found out that He still doesn’t need my input. So who is your salvation based on, who is it according to, God’s perfect will or your own limited thinking? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: (27) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: (29) That no flesh should glory in his presence. (KJV)
Don’t be offended and don’t take it personal that the Lord didn’t call you based on your wisdom and strength. Salvation is not like filling out an application for a job, where the employer is looking for the most qualified employee based on their ability and wisdom. Just the opposite holds true with the Lord; His calling is based on the heart, and what the heart treasures and who the heart truly desires to serve. So don’t think that God chose you because you are the wisest person He could find or because of your standing in the world or in the community, but rather because you realized that you are weak and unable to attain salvation on your own. The more you keep this mindset, humility is another word that describes this, the more God is able to use you. 2 Corinthians 8:10-12 And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago. (11) Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have. (12) For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. (KJV) God called you and accepted you for who you are, not for someone you think you should be; rather now you need to pattern your life according to His will, and walk in the realm of the Spirit. All God asks and will ask is that there is a willingness to follow His path based on His word, letting that be your strength, and not how man measures strength and ability. The more you realize how weak you really are on your own, the more you will find strength in what the Lord has done on your behalf; not like many others who think they are strong because they think they are doing so much on His behalf. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. (8) For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. (9) And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10) Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (KJV) Paul had his own issues to deal with, which he described as a thorn in the flesh. What that thorn was, has been speculated for 2 thousand years. One thing we know, Paul had a past that dealt with mistreating Christians, and knowing from my own personal experiences the devil likes to remind people of their past and its shortcomings. So the fact that Paul was able to come to the conclusion that our salvation is based on grace and not of works, which leaves no room for boasting is one reason why God was able to use this man to write a good portion of the epistles. Now being weak doesn’t mean we run and hide, but rather you understand more and more that the Spirit is truly willing it’s our flesh, our carnal mind and understanding that is weak. Paul found his strength in the completed work Jesus Christ did on his behalf, and not the completed work many claim they are doing on the Lord’s behalf. It doesn’t matter how many scriptures you can quote, how many sermons you preach, or how big a congregation you have built, it all comes down to a simple loving obedience to our Lord, and the complete work He has done and is continuing to do within those that are willing to follow His example. You can have all knowledge and faith to move mountains but if you do not have love, a relationship based on trust and commitment with the Father, it will profit you nothing. So where is your strength coming from today; in what the word of God says, a path you are walking by faith, or are you leaning to your own understanding by what you think will make you strong, or should I say head strong as so many are? Galatians 4:12-14 Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am; for I am as ye are: ye have not injured me at all. (13) Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. (14) And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. (KJV) Obviously Paul had dealt with this infirmity, as we see it written about again, and was humble enough to let the people know that he was just as human as they were. Sometimes those that God has called think they have to come off as bulletproof and invincible which makes it hard for others to relate to them. Yes it is important to be strong in the Lord and the power of His might, but being able to relate to the people through your own experiences can be an inspiration as well as opportunity for them to open up and share things that they have had to deal with, their own infirmity and temptation in their flesh. Remember, when it came time for those without sin to cast the first stone no one did. So keep in mind the same compassion God has dealt you; how longsuffering and patience can go a long way to helping someone remove and get past their own thorns in the flesh. 1 Corinthians 9:20-23 And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law; (21) To them that are without law, as without law, (being not without law to God, but under the law to Christ,) that I might gain them that are without law. (22) To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. (23) And this I do for the gospel's sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. (KJV) Now you don’t have to go back under the old law or become a Jew to relate to a Jew; but rather you hear the Lord, and put yourself in their place, where they are at, so that you can let the Lord minister through you effectively. To the weak; I am reminded myself of times when I have been weak, and how I trusted more in my own abilities and works than the working of the Lord that He was trying to work in me, or what I call the sins and shortcomings of my youth, when I used to let the devil paint a picture in my mind of all the things I was missing out on, and how much better my life would be if I could have the things I desired. The only problem is that the devil doesn’t show us the consequences, which when the tab comes it’s always much bigger and lasts much longer than the short term thrill ride we took in the flesh. Being weak; staying out of the way, not leaning to your own understanding is a good thing, and one that will allow you to see your calling more clearly, and let the Lord minister through you more effectively. God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. Ephesians 4:11-15 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;(12) For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: (3) Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: (14) That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (15) But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ: (KJV)
There are some today that claim there are no more apostles and prophets, and no more miracles because they ceased after the disciples and the work they accomplished. But if you look at the above verses we see they are given and called by God for the work of the ministry to help build up the body of Christ and teach them how to grow and mature in Him. So simply put, as long as there is a body of believers in Christ, and as long as there is a ministry work being done, then nothing could be further from the truth than to think that there are no more apostles and prophets out there still answering the call. The reason people preach this nonsense is because they haven’t answered their own call to the ministry work, and have limited God by what others tell them and not what the spirit of God would be speaking. Many think of a prophet as one that just speaks of future events or someone the Lord has worked a miracle through; and because they don’t see it for themselves then they think it doesn’t work for others. Matthew 16:1-4 The Pharisees also with the Sadducees came, and tempting desired him that he would shew them a sign from heaven. (2) He answered and said unto them, When it is evening, ye say, It will be fair weather: for the sky is red. (3) And in the morning, It will be foul weather to day: for the sky is red and lowring. O ye hypocrites, ye can discern the face of the sky; but can ye not discern the signs of the times? (4) A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed. (KJV) The Lord Himself was confronted with those that limited the things of God by the outward, not realizing the plan of salvation that would be manifested to the believers by an inward change. Many today are looking for some outward sign and miracle, and fall short of their calling because they miss the greatest miracle of all, which is salvation, and being able to be born again into the realm of the Spirit. Things that were previously hidden and unable to be understood by man are now being unveiled and revealed to them through the Spirit, and the miracle of this new life and beginning. The Old Testament prophets could only speak as the Holy Spirit came upon them, and delivered the message of a Messiah that God would send for the salvation of the world. The New Testament prophets are the ones that should be teaching the Church the mystery of the gospel, and enlightening them to the Messiah that has come; pointing them in the direction of the spiritual realm, and to quit looking for an outward manifestation or sign. God is still more than capable of miracles; which to us they are awe inspiring but to Him it’s just business as usual. The question is ‘where are you looking for the answer to the mystery of the gospel; will you keep looking for an outward sign or will you seek the inward confirmation that will build a firm foundation for you to stand on’? Luke 17:20-21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: (21) Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. (KJV) People today still look at Jesus the man and the demonstration of the power of God he allowed to work through him, which was only done by the spirit of Christ within Him. Today many still teach and preach the blessings of God and relate it only to the outward manifestations they can see, totally ignoring all the spiritual blessings we have been blessed with which are in the heavenly places, and can only be found by those that are able to operate within the realm of the Spirit. Matthew 10:7-8 And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. (8) Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. (KJV) Before our conversion we were all spiritually sick. Spiritually we were like the lepers; which when they contracted the disease, had to be separated from others so as not to spread this deadly disease. We have all been raised from the dead spiritually, and are able to walk in a newness of life leaving the old ways and the old man behind us. I am able to cast down every negative imagination of the devil which he would try to mislead me with, by the renewing of my mind so that I can operate with the mind of Christ. With all that is available in the spiritual realm, why are so many still looking for an outward sign in a realm where the Lord said He wouldn’t be found? Freely we have received this gift of Christ and freely we should be distributing it; which is why I don’t understand why so many have put a price tag on the word of God. If one is truly called of God and preaching His word then they will be distributing it freely without fleecing the flock and making merchandise of them. Ephesians 3:3-5 How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, (4) Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (5) Which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit; (KJV) Obviously this mystery that Paul wrote about, ministering to the Church his personal knowledge of Christ, is still a mystery to many which claim there are no more prophets today. As long as there is the Church, the body of believers still left here, there will be those that are still called to this position; the question is, will they answer the call in the Spirit, or will they miss out because they seek the answer in the flesh. Paul found his answer in the realm of the Spirit, and wrote to the Church that is in Christ, the Son of God, that this mystery is only revealed through a personal knowledge in Christ. Ephesians 3:6-10 That the Gentiles should be fellowheirs, and of the same body, and partakers of his promise in Christ by the gospel: (7) Whereof I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given unto me by the effectual working of his power. (8) Unto me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ; (9) And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: (10) To the intent that now unto the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, (KJV) The answer is in Christ. Those that have been called to His ministry will not limit their calling to what man tries to dictate; rather they will come to a personal knowledge of the mystery of the gospel so that they not only can see for themselves the unsearchable riches in Christ, but continue to teach others and allow the truth in Him to still be in play. The manifold wisdom of God is still available to all that would seek a relationship with the Father; but it can only be accomplished by those that seek to worship Him in spirit and in truth. Don’t limit God, and don’t be taken in by these false doctrines of man that have chosen to limit Him and their own calling, but rather walk by faith and let Him reveal Himself to you. God bless and keep the faith. Have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, (10) But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (KJV)
A heavenly calling has gone forth to all mankind, and the question is, who will answer. The Lord’s plan of salvation was drawn up before the foundation of the world, knowing that mankind would fall, and what it would take to bring about the restoration. Did you ever realize that this peace you now experience in your life, is a result of you answering the call of God, and now walking in His plan of salvation, a personal blueprint that was drawn up for you before the this world began? It brings a whole new meaning to trusting in the Lord with all our heart and not leaning to our own understanding. You begin to realize that nothing in your walk happens because of luck or chance, or some strange coincidence, but it is actually a divine plan of salvation for you to walk in. So are you answering the call this day, or are you putting the Lord on hold? Romans 8:28-31 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. (29) For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (30) Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. (31) What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (KJV) Did you know that God was for you, making a plan of salvation before the foundation of the world? And not only for you (the fact that He is no respecter of people and doesn’t play favorites), but a Saviour was sent for the whole world. Some think that predestination means that God chose only certain people, whether they wanted to follow Him or not, they have no choice, God decided they were going to inherit His kingdom. The truth be known Church, salvation is like a telephone call to give directions; one has to take the time to receive the message and then follow the instructions. Even though at times we may get blown off course by winds of doctrine, by redialing our heavenly Father, reestablishing an open line of communication, it can get us right back on course. So the more you keep the line of communication open, the more familiar you will become with the voice giving the directions, the clearer the path of escape will become. The more you choose to follow the Lord, the more He will reveal Himself to you. Mark 4:24-25 And he said unto them, Take heed what ye hear: with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you: and unto you that hear shall more be given. (25) For he that hath, to him shall be given: and he that hath not, from him shall be taken even that which he hath. (KJV) God made the call, now who is answering, who will make the Lord a priority; His message being the determining factor in all our decisions, which simply put is either life or death. Your choice this day, right now, is the determining factor of which way you are going. Are you growing closer to the Lord and able to hear His voice clearer, or are you wandering off on your own and not following a predetermined path of life which leads to our heavenly Father? God would that none should perish but that all would come to repentance, and follow a path of life chosen just for them; the same spiritual path Jesus Christ walked to lead us home to victory. So before you go blame God, or claim He only picks and chooses certain individuals, remember that you have the opportunity to answer the call just like anyone else written in the Bible; and the reason people are used of the Lord is because they respond to His calling. Romans 10:11-13 For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (12) For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him. (13) For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (KJV) The Lord made a calling to all mankind, sending the Son to heal us and deliver us from all our destructions. Now He is waiting with open loving arms to see who will answer the call and return His message of love. Don’t be taken in by those that claim only certain special people or denominations are chosen of God, or even those that specify a certain number of individuals that God chooses as well. The simple fact is that I consider myself a ‘whosoever’, so that gives me a right to respond to the message delivered by Christ, and to walk in the plan He designed for me before the foundation of the world; no ifs ands or butthead doctrines of man are going to separate me from the love of God in Christ Jesus. Romans 5:8-9 But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. (9) Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. (KJV) Please stop for a moment and take the time to see these verses in a different light. When you see a word like ‘we’ start seeing your own name there, and look at the word of God as more of a personal letter of love from the Father to you. Realize that if you were the only one on planet earth, and had fallen from grace, God would have still sent the Son on your behalf so that you would have access to His plan of reconciliation. 1 John 2:1-3 My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (2) And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. (KJV) Christ died to the sins of the whole world, not just for a certain few that think they have certain rights and privileges with God based on their own man made doctrines and interpretations that fit their lifestyle and not a spiritual one. So are you taking the message to heart; personally sent from God through Jesus Christ this day so you too can partake of the heavenly calling, and give the answer of salvation to any that would ask? Remember, the call is free. The charges against us have been dropped, so there is no excuse for not dialing a toll free direct line to the Father through Jesus Christ. Your outcome is based on how well you listen to the message of truth and allow it to set you free from doubt and confusion. The simple truth is this; God is calling all that would like to partake of His free gift of salvation which has been sent to all the world. Will you answer His call? God bless and have a prosperous day in Christ Jesus our Lord. |
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